How tau protein is cleared and released from brain cells
Project 2: Tau metabolism: Quantifying tau half-life and secretion
This project measures how different forms of the tau protein are broken down and released by brain cells to better help people with tau-related brain diseases like frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses lab-grown human neurons made from patient cells, including cells with MAPT (tau) gene mutations, to track how specific tau proteoforms are turned over and secreted. Researchers use techniques like CRISPR gene correction and measurements of tau half-life and secretion to compare mutant and corrected cells. They also examine lysosomes and other clearance pathways to see if defects explain tau buildup. The team aims to find the step(s) where tau metabolism goes wrong so future treatments can target those problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with MAPT mutations or diagnosed tauopathies (frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration) or those willing to donate cells or samples for lab research would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People whose neurologic condition is unrelated to tau pathology (for example, pure vascular dementia without tau involvement) are unlikely to directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could point to precise targets for drugs or genetic therapies that slow or stop harmful tau accumulation in affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab studies using patient-derived neurons and CRISPR correction have restored cellular defects, but translating those findings into proven human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karch, Celeste Marie — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Karch, Celeste Marie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.